Laboratory Technician Southampton, England
Job description
This post is for a Laboratory technician to work as part of a Clinical Research Facility laboratory research team with additional responsibility for supporting the work in the Anti-Microbial Resistance laboratory. With the existing team the appointee will take responsibility for managing the laboratory facility providing training and support for staff in their team, assisting in assessing new studies and the receipt and tracking, processing, storage and sending of specimens taken as part of the research programmes.
The CRF laboratory provides an essential component of the clinical research pathway, processing study participant samples quickly and efficiently to ensure optimal results. This is facilitated by excellent communication both within the team and with doctors and nurses. As a result of our ongoing success in this role we support in excess of 350 clinical studies including numerous Covid-19 studies, for which we have been commended both internally and externally for the quality of its outputs.
Attached you will find the person specification document which provides more detail about the essential and desirable skills and experience needed for this role. We highly recommend you review this document and use it when completing your application as these criteria are used by hiring managers as guidance during shortlisting.
For an overview of the main duties of the role please see the ‘Job Description and Main Responsibilities’ section below. To understand the day-to-day responsibilities in more detail please read the full job description document attached.
As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to. UHS is rated ‘Good’ by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care.
All non-clinical roles may involve a mixture of on site and remote working, Specific details and flexible working options can be discussed as part of the interview process. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.
Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 20% lower than London and 14 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.
What you’ll do
The appointee will take responsibility for responding to study specific queries, training and supervising new and visiting members of staff, assisting with laboratory tours and receipt, tracking, processing, storage and sending of individual and bulk specimens taken as part of the research programmes according to recommended protocols. Responsibilities will also include ensuring the Clinical Research Facility and Anti-Microbial Resistance laboratories are clean, tidy and well stocked with consumables and ensuring sample data is accurately recorded on electronic and paper logs
Laboratory experience including PBMC isolation, biological sample handling and the use of sample tracking software is essential, as is recent GCP and IATA training. Responsibilities will also include ensuring the lab is clean, tidy and well stocked with consumables and ensuring sample data is accurately recorded on electronic and paper logs.
Applicants should possess good interpersonal skills, management expertise and have the ability to motivate people. The successful candidate must be capable of working as part of a team, but also take responsibility for their own work.
He/she will support the CRF Laboratory and Deputy Laboratory Manager, CRF in assessing and planning for new project adoption in which specialised sample processing is required.
The post holder will liaise with investigators and other research staff involved in research studies and where appropriate advise on their sample collection, processing and analytical procedures
The post-holder is expected to be able to work without immediate supervision and to work an early or late shift pattern when required.
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
The post requires someone with experience of working in a clinical laboratory setting, working with blood and clinical specimens with the ability to work in collaboration with a team of research nurses and clinical investigators.
Laboratory experience including handling of biological samples both on desktop and within material safety cabinets, GCP training, IATA training and the use of sample tracking software such as Freezer-works is essential.
The post holder will collect and process samples according to recommended protocols ensuring accurate documentation.
The post holder will liaise with investigators and other research staff involved in research studies and advise on their sample collection, processing and analytical procedures.
They will also liase with study monitors and sponsors to address study specific queries.
The post-holder is expected to be able to both work without immediate supervision and be able to train new laboratory staff whilst working an early or late shift pattern when required.
The post holder will have joint responsibility for managing a laboratory processing team so must possess good communication skills.
Closing date will be on Monday4th September 2023with a view to holding interviews onFriday 15th September 2023.
